Chocolatier launches dairy-free chocolate

Barry Callebaut – the chocolatier behind the launch of ruby chocolate – has launched a completely dairy-free chocolate into its Plant Craft range of products.

‘M_lk Chocolate’ taps into the growing trend of flexitarian and vegan diets among sustainability conscious consumers, particularly millennials and centennials (Generation Z). The launch followed research by the chocolate-maker that found 41% of British consumers said there weren’t enough tasty vegan or dairy-free options on the market.

The chocolate was described by the manufacturer as having a typical milk chocolate flavour and texture and took two years to develop. M_lk Chocolate is made with an ingredients exclusively available to Barry Callebaut.

Good food, good for the planet​

Commenting on the launch, chief innovation, sustainability and quality officer Pablo Perversi said: “The next generation of consumers is looking for experiences that are tasty, good for them and good for the planet. With that in mind, we aim to accompany the industry in this plant-based revolution.​

“With more than 175 years of experience in mastering chocolate, creating indulgent experiences is at the heart of what we do. Through this innovation, we’re proud to offer chocolate creations with all of the creaminess consumers love, 100% dairy-free.”​

As part of the Plant Craft range, the new chocolate is aimed at artisans and brands looking to create ‘indulgent experiences’ using dairy-free and vegan ingredients. The range includes chocolates, cocoa powders and nut products.

New German factory ​

Barry Callebaut will support the production of the dairy-free chocolate by opening a new factory in Norderstedt, Germany in the first half of 2021, capable of supplying tens of thousands of tonnes of product to the European market.

Producers looking for inspiration on how to utilise new chocolate can visit the newly launched Plant Craft hub on Barry Callebaut’s website, which features recipes, industry trend trackers and recommendations from chefs.

Meanwhile, further expansion in the UK and the growing demand for vegan and dairy-free products are hot topics for Barry Callebaut​​, according to UK general manager Richard Terme.

Barry Callebaut research

Almost 9% of British Generation Z and Y respondents claim to be vegan

A further 14% identify as vegetarian

Almost one-third (27%) identify as flexitarian

Almost a quarter (23%) of the younger generation consume dairy-free products on a daily basis

81% of over-37-year-olds say they never consume dairy-free products.

47% of UK consumers say they are consuming more vegan/dairy-free products than five years ago

47% of respondents expect their own consumption of dairy-free products to rise in the next five years

41% think there are not enough tasty vegan or dairy-free options on the market

21% of those who reject plant-based products attribute it to disliking the taste or texture